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Business news from in and around East Durham
The North East’s premier science and technology park looks set to expand, with councillors being asked to support a near £50m investment in its growth. NETPark at Sedgefield will be extended with a new third phase, should Durham County Council’s Cabinet agree to...
Alison Schreiber from the HR Dept, Durham - who is also the resident East Durham Business Network HR expert - shares a blog which looks at what employers can do if they're faced with staff who are reluctant to return to work after the coronavirus pandemic. With...
The next issue of the area's flagship publication, East Durham Business magazine, is due out in a couple of weeks. This issue will features interviews with the likes of Central Doorset Manufacturing, East Durham Business Service, the Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing...
A Wingate-based civil engineering and groundworks business has received more than £194,000 in research and development (R&D) tax credits across two claims, thanks to the innovation demonstrated in its projects. Founded in 2015, N&T Civils Ltd carry out...
Turtle Bay, the UK’s leading Caribbean restaurant and bar group, has started work on a new 4850 sq ft restaurant at Durham’s Riverwalk leisure venue. The two-storey restaurant and bar is scheduled to open in October and will create 50 new hospitality jobs in the city....
A North East electrical test and measurement company has announced several key appointments as it invests further to support demand and continued international growth. Seaward has seen 17 new people join in the last two months in various production, logistics, design...
Seaham company Mission Foods is recruiting for several positions within its business. Based at Seaham Grange Industrial Estate, the company is part of the Mexican multi-national Gruma, a global leader in the manufacture of corn flour, flatbread and tortilla products,...
Multi-site bespoke envelope and packaging manufacturer the Encore Group has released its results for the past financial year. The company, which comprises packaging and envelope divisions in Washington, Peterlee and Dewsbury, posted its results for the year ending 30...
Power Roll is creating a first of its kind solar film manufacturing facility at a County Durham business park as part of its expansion plans. The company, which is currently based in Washington, is moving its manufacturing and head office to the new unit at Jade...
Peterlee employer Auxillis is creating 40 new jobs after two major business wins during lockdown. The first, a brand new partner and the second, a significant extension of services with an existing insurance partner. This growth means that Auxillis is already looking...
Production of the first steel-framed modular homes is now underway at a County Durham factory. The milestone – along with the announcement of significant initial contracts – has been marked by CoreHaus with an official opening of its 20,000 sq ft unit on Jade Business...
More than 300 businesses have been supported and over 3,500 jobs safeguarded through a County Durham coronavirus recovery grant. The Durham Business Recovery Grant was launched by Durham County Council in January to help companies overcome the challenges caused by the...
Traders across County Durham and beyond are counting down to the return of next month’s Seaham Food Festival. The free Durham County Council event, which is taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday, 8 August, marks a welcome return of festivals and events following the...
A new report by the UK Space Agency has highlighted that the North East’s thriving space sector has led to a jobs boost in the region. The recent ‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry’ report revealed the number of people employed in the space sector in the North...
If you’re one of Durham’s small businesses, you can get a range of financial support to help cut your carbon footprint and save the planet. Going green can bring many benefits to your business. According to CDP data, if you properly insulate your building, you may be...
Issue 5 of of the area’s flagship magazine, East Durham Business, is out now and has been distributed across East Durham's thriving business community. The magazine, which was launched by the team at LEC Communications and Design in 2019, includes features, news and...
ResQ, the leading outsourced contact centre specialist, has opened a new office in the iconic Hammonds of Hull building, which has been part of a major refurbishment programme for the past two years. This will be ResQ’s third site, with the business retaining its...
With over 120 applications already received from clients in Durham keen to access the North East Business Support Fund, NBSL are expecting demand to be high for this popular Fund. With funding available to support only circa. 240 businesses between now and 2023 across...
Blog supplied by HR expert Alison Schreiber of the HR Dept, Durham, and the Peterlee and Seaham business park groups: Having been bathed in sunshine for much of June, the UK is in for another treat in June 2022: an extra bank holiday is confirmed to celebrate the...
Global technology leader ZF is marking International Women in Engineering Day (Wednesday, June 23) with the appointment of another female engineering apprentice. Beth Parodi started earlier this year as a Level-3 SQA apprentice. Having completed her probationary...
Issue 5 of of the area’s flagship magazine, East Durham Business, is out now and has been distributed across East Durham's thriving business community. The magazine, which was launched by the team at LEC Communications and Design in 2019, includes features, news and...
One of the region’s most respected leaders has been awarded an OBE for services to business and the regional economy. Helen Golightly, chief executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP), has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours...
Alistair Cummins-MacLeod is the Marketing Director at East Durham College, which has two sites in Peterlee and Houghall on the outskirts of Durham. In an interview for East Durham Business magazine, Alistair tells us more about his diverse marketing and communications...
In a interview taken from the latest issue of East Durham Business magazine, we find out more about Notify, the Health & Safety platform revolutionising workplace safety, health and wellbeing. A billion people? That’s a bold target. It is. And one I think is...
North East technology specialist Advantex has appointed two new apprentices as it invests further to secure its future workforce needs and strengthen core technical skills. Luke O’Connell and Taylor O’Connell - sons of company founders Dave O’Connell and Steve...
Blog supplied by HR expert Alison Schreiber of the HR Dept, Durham: This week, the BBC’s infamous Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana has been in the headlines – 25 years after it took place. The coverage, which has been extremely damaging to the BBC and...
Local residents, councillors and other members of the community are invited to a virtual public consultation for a proposed solar farm between Murton and South Hetton. Hawthorn Pit Solar Farm is being developed by Aura Power. The company is proposing a subsidy-free...
A new defibrillator has been installed at IPS Flow Systems based in Seaham. IPS Flow Systems recognises the importance a defibrillator can have on a person’s survival and recently took delivery of a defibrillator. A victim’s chance of survival falls around seven to 10...
Mobile and home-based businesses in County Durham are being given longer to apply for financial support designed to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year limited fixed funding was made available by the Government through the Additional...
Logistic solutions business, NFS 360 Connect, have made significant savings on their yearly bills and reduced their carbon emissions by 75 tonnes. That’s thanks to the support of the BEEP team, who have been working NFS 360 Connect, a logistics solutions business...
New owners of a training and apprenticeship provider have announced ambitious plans to triple the number of learners it supports into careers. TACS, based at Novus Business Centre in Peterlee, was recently bought out by business owner Neil Armstrong and son-in-law...
A business support organisation has hailed the success of the businesses and entrepreneurs it has supported, proving the coronavirus lockdown wasn’t all doom and gloom. In the 13 months since the country went into lockdown, East Durham Business Service has helped a...
ResQ, the leading outsourced contact centre specialist, has awarded with Best Companies’ highest accreditation - the coveted 3 Stars, meaning ResQ is a ‘world class company to work for’. The accreditation is the greatest honour that the independent authority awards to...
Beau’s has secured £400,000 investment as it looks to build a vegan gelato brand that will raise the benchmark for the ice-cream industry and create a new facility in the North East. After an initial round of investment in 2019 that allowed them to scale up their...
Issue 5 of of the area's flagship magazine, East Durham Business, will be out early next month. The magazine, which was launched by the team at LEC Communications and Design in 2019, includes features, news and reviews from businesses around the area. In this issue...
A market leader in the wholesale and distribution of thermoplastic piping systems for over 30 years, Seaham-based IPS Flow Systems has renewed its commitment to support Sunderland A.F.C. by becoming an Associate Partner. Sunderland A.F.C. are one of three North East...
The GF (Groves Family) Community Foundation, a new charity restoring hope and support across the North East, is officially launching today (Thursday), with a commitment to employing local people to make a difference within their communities. Spearheaded by CEO and...
People who live in East Durham can tap into a new training initiative delivered by MINT Business Club and ITEC North East. The training is aimed at small business owners or employees who live the area, however they don’t need to work in, or have businesses located in...
Blog supplied by resident Peterlee and Seaham business park groups' HR expert Alison Schreiber of the HR Dept, Durham: Before the pandemic, an estimated 2.4 million adults had experienced domestic abuse in the previous 12 months. This crisis got even worse in 2020....
A shredding company owned by a former professional footballer is bouncing back with plans to grow regionally and recruit further personnel after a Covid-hit year. Shred Direct, owned by Graeme Carter, who was once on the books at Newcastle United, was looking ahead to...
An ambitious North East care provider is on the lookout for new care home acquisition opportunities after completing the sale of one of its existing properties. Aurora Care Group has sold the Langley House Residential Care Home in Horden near Peterlee to an...
Redu Group, a leading provider of employee benefit and retail marketing solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Hobbs as Head of Retail Partnerships, a new role for the organisation. In his new role, Adam will be responsible for building...
The Durham Business Recovery Grant has awarded £119,000 to four businesses across County Durham - including one in Peterlee to enable them to expand into new markets. Launched in January, the £5 million grant funded by Durham County Council is aimed at businesses...
Eleven entrepreneurs are set for success by taking part in the six-month Durham City Incubator programme to develop their businesses. The County Durham start-ups hope to follow in the footsteps of Plastech Innovation, Heartwood Skills CIC and ChatPro who have all...
Work is set to begin on a major business park for County Durham, paving the way for 4,000 new jobs and a £400 million boost to the economy. Durham County Council is to begin work on the park at Aykley Heads, at Durham City, having already pledged £6 million to the...
ISOCOM Limited, a County Durham optoelectronic component manufacturer, is working with Northumbria University to develop the world’s first commercially available laser-based satellite communication system via the National Space Innovation Programme. Peterlee-based...
A website for the flagship East Durham Business magazine is now live. eastdurhambusiness.co.uk features the latest interviews and news, as well as all four issues of the magazine which you can read in full. The site, and the magazine, are run by LEC. The team is...
A family run electrical contractor is looking to a year of growth after bouncing back from the challenges it faced during 2020, brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Like many businesses, Seaham-based Nala Engineers was forced to furlough staff as the country was...
A Northern packaging and print firm is entering a new era following its owner’s decision to hand over the reins. Russell Croisdale has been Managing Director of The Encore Group, which comprises print, packaging and envelope divisions in Washington, Peterlee and...
Nearly 100 businesses in County Durham have significantly improved their energy efficiency in the last year, thanks to a project which helps save on running costs by reducing carbon emissions. Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Durham County Council’s...
County Durham-based Seaward Electronic Ltd. is setting its sights on further market growth with the appointment of a new chief executive. North East born Chris Callan takes up the new role after building a successful career in the electronics industry working with...
A North East retail rewards specialist has launched a new scheme to help UK employers encourage their workforces to lead healthier lifestyles. Reward Me Now, already in use with large employers such as Eddie Stobart and Hays Travel, is launching their Health Package,...
Companies are being invited to find out more about a new programme that has been launched to support innovation in the construction, health and electech sectors across County Durham. Set up by Business Durham, the economic development arm of Durham County Council, the...
North East Chartered Accountancy firm Mullen Stoker has seen demand for its IT services rapidly increase as more and more people are required to work from home. Whilst many companies have been operating a flexible working policy since the coronavirus outbreak first...
A mum of two has taken her first steps into entrepreneurship to launch her own party business during the months of lockdown. Amy Speckman, 28, from Murton in County Durham has set up Sweetie Treats, which offers services to make your wedding, birthday party or...
Issue four of East Durham Business magazine is available to read online, with a new website for the publication due to launch in the next few weeks. Themed around ‘bouncing back from COVID-19’ the magazine features businesses from across the area, which are dealing...
Businesses are set to benefit from a new £5 million grant funded by Durham County Council to help them implement recovery plans to overcome the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on the economy and recovery is likely...
Innovative modular housebuilder, CoreHaus, is opening its first UK manufacturing site at a County Durham business park as part of its scale-up plans. CoreHaus has secured its new 20,000 sq ft unit at Jade Business Park, in Murton near Seaham, and recruited a highly...
The Peterlee and Seaham business park groups are hosting their first virtual Network with your Neighbour event of 2021 and individuals and firms across the area are invited to attend. The event, on Thursday, January 21, at 11am, will shed light on the support...
The fourth issue of the area's flagship magazine, East Durham Business, is available to read in full online. Themed around ‘bouncing back from COVID-19’ the magazine features businesses from across the area, which are dealing with the challenging climate in many...
The Finance Durham Fund has invested over £1 million in five businesses to grow in or move to County Durham over the last twelve months. Established by Durham County Council in 2017, Finance Durham is a £20m investment fund overseen by Business Durham and managed by...
An experienced design engineer is looking towards a positive future and rebuilding his three businesses after being left in an induced coma following a near fatal hit and run. Jim Box was successfully running Be Smart Solutions, Be-Recycled.com and 3D Printing when he...
More than 1,000 families in County Durham and Sunderland have benefited thanks to the generosity of a firm’s Christmas appeal. Seaham-based Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) ran a December community campaign to distribute gifts, food parcels and donations totalling...
John Delanoy and Julie Stout are passionate about the funeral industry and giving people the send-off they want – their best final farewell. East Durham Business magazine Editor Leanne Fawcett finds out more. Two things are immediately evident when I down with John...
This time of year is usually filled with festivities. From Christmas parties to the legendary Secret Santa gift exchange, there is normally no shortage of reasons to get together with friends, family and co-workers during December. But after a difficult year...
An experienced publican and restaurateur launched a new food place with a difference earlier this year – despite the obvious Covid challenges. But now their Mediterranean dishes are proving hugely popular at their newly-refurbished outlet near Peterlee – creating...
Plans to create a major business park with the potential to create thousands of new jobs and boost County Durham’s economy by £400 million have been approved by councillors. Durham County Council’s planning committee voted in favour of developing the site at Aykley...
HR expert Alison Schreiber, who works with many businesses in the East Durham area, offers some useful advice to employers who are preparing for a busy few weeks in the run up to Christmas. The HR Dept Durham representative is urging businesses to properly manage...
Global automotive technology leader ZF has proven its commitment to investing in young talent after promoting one of its former apprentices into a permanent technician role. Lewis Charlton, 21, joined the Peterlee company two and a half years ago as a quality...
Issue four of the area’s flagship publication, East Durham Business magazine, is out now. Themed around ‘bouncing back from COVID-19’ the magazine features businesses from across the area, which are dealing with the challenging climate in many different ways. Featured...
A business centre for new and growing SMEs has welcomed a string of new tenants despite the tough economic conditions. Novus Business Centre in Peterlee, which is managed by East Durham Business Service, offers flexible office space for sole traders and expanding...
Eligible businesses affected by local and national coronavirus restrictions are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of Government grants. Following the recent publication of a number of new Government grants, Durham County Council is contacting businesses...
A specialist retail marketing company has completed the seven-figure acquisition of a fellow North East business who are experts in retail gift cards and loyalty schemes. Seaham-based Redu Group, which has developed a range of tech-savvy operations that offer money...
Issue four of the area's flagship publication, East Durham Business magazine, is due out this week. Themed around ‘bouncing back from COVID-19’ the magazine will feature businesses from across the area, which are dealing with the challenging climate in many different...
East Durham College is asking businesses in the area to consider an industry placement as a way of supporting their own growth. The placements are designed to offer young people extended periods of work placements so they can gain the skills employers look for. At...
North East chartered accountancy firm Mullen Stoker is celebrating its tenth year in business with a string of new client wins and workforce expansion – despite the challenging economic climate. The firm, based at Mandale Business Park in Durham, was founded by Neil...
A North East council has been acknowledged as one of the top employers in the country for its apprenticeship opportunities. Durham County Council was awarded a place in the government’s Top 100 Apprenticeships Employers list announced last week, joining ten other...
A ground-breaking partnership in County Durham will boost job prospects for young people through a new education and employment pathway. Seaham-based Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) has joined forces with East Durham College (EDC) in an agreement to deliver bespoke...
A strategy which envisages more than 30,000 jobs and 25,000 new homes has been endorsed by the North East’s largest council. Durham County Council has today agreed to adopt the County Durham Plan, through which it seeks to ensure the county is a successful place to...
Business Durham is helping companies across County Durham manage and deal with the current economic challenges by signposting them to the help they need in order to adapt and thrive. The COVID-19 crisis will continue to affect businesses in different ways and at...
An independent financial adviser with more than six years’ industry experience has launched her own company. Aimee Watson has set up Aimee Financial, which provides bespoke financial planning and pension advice to clients. Although specialising in retirement planning,...
A new partnership has been launched which is changing the face of the funeral industry, enabling people to give their loved ones a unique and memorable final farewell. Delanoy Funeral Services has been launched by John Delanoy and Julie Stout, who are from Easington...
A business support organisation is encouraging firms in the area to take advantage of its meeting space as social distancing remains in place. East Durham Business Service, which manages Novus Busines Centre in Peterlee, has several rooms available for external hire....
Dowen Estate Agents, which has a head office in Hartlepool and seven additional branches along with a bespoke Auction Department across the North East, has been acquired in a management buy-out funded by HSBC. The full-service estate agency offers a wide range of...
A new scheme designed to get young people on Universal Credit into the workplace to gain experience has launched. The government’s Kickstart Scheme is now active is also aimed at those at risk from long-term unemployment, With many businesses looking to benefit,...
Finance Durham Fund, which was established by Durham County Council and overseen by Business Durham, has invested £250,000 in Power Roll, a developer of ultra-low-cost and lightweight flexible film for energy generation and storage. The investment through Finance...
A North East council has teamed up with a local housing developer to deliver affordable homes for residents. Durham County Council contributed almost £250,000 from money raised via housing developments to seven affordable properties, which Chapter Homes is putting the...
Over 50 people are working towards careers with Husqvarna thanks to a successful partnership between the lawnmower manufacturer and GEM Training. The Peterlee-based company, which provides tailored training and apprenticeships specifically developed for its clients,...
A mum of two has used the months of lockdown to launch her own dreadlock business. Aiysha Homer, 40, from Peterlee was working as a lunchtime supervisor at a local school, a job she loved, but money was so tight she wanted to put her creativity to something that could...
A development of high-quality family homes with large areas of open spaces and commitments to local school improvements are on the way for a County Durham village. National planning and development consultancy Lichfields secured permission from Durham County Council...
Businesses from across East Durham are invited to attend a virtual networking event next week. The Peterlee and Seaham business park groups have organised the event to give businesses the chance to updates and learn more about the support available to help them during...
CyberWhite, a Seaham-based cyber security firm, has delivered strong results for the financial year 2019-2020. Highlights of the year-end report include: An increase in the total turnover of 286 per cent Gross profit increased by £196,000 New clients increased grew by...
A national financial planning firm has increased its workforce as business continues to boom following a rebrand. Former Independent financial advisor (IFA) Tony Slimmings started offering freelance paraplanning services in early 2017, before scaling up and launching...
A County Durham food business has worked to reduce its carbon footprint with the help of a scheme to make businesses more energy efficient. Charltons, a well-known food business in Peterlee, significantly increased its food delivery service during lockdown when it was...
A North East company has made a multimillion-pound investment to quadruple its office space and create hundreds of new jobs. Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) has agreed a lease on a new building on Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, taking its total office space to...
A football team in Easington has been able to invest in new kits for its players after securing a new sponsor. Easington Under-15s, which plays in the Russell Foster Tyne and Wear Youth Leagues, has announced Harry’s Fish and Chip Shop has become its new sponsor. The...
Plans for a major new business park in Durham City are progressing thanks to £6 million of government funding. Durham County Council has secured the money from the government’s Getting Building Fund, which aims to deliver jobs, skills and infrastructure across the...
CyberWhite, a cybersecurity firm based in Seaham, is welcoming two new Business Development Managers to its team as part of its continued growth. Charlotte Topping and Jemma Cavana-Cole join the firm, bringing with them a wealth of sales and customer service...
More businesses are set to benefit from a financial support scheme set up to help them deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Durham County is widening the eligibility criteria for its local Discretionary Grants Fund so that hundreds more businesses can...
Construction companies across County Durham are being offered professional support to help them grow and secure new business. Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP) is a European Regional Development Fund (EDRF) programme offering business support to SMEs in...
Budding entrepreneurs across East Durham are being encouraged to seek advice from business support experts as the country continues to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic. East Durham Business Service helps people throughout the area to turn their business dreams...
A Seaham company has set an ambitious target to double its headcount this year. Seaham-based Great Annual Savings Group (GAS) has been on a rapid growth journey since its inception in 2012, reaching 300 employees at the start of 2020. After a 2015 move to Spectrum...
